MCBI Internship Program

Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is a non-profit scientific and conservation advocacy organization that has been working since 1996 to promote cooperation essential to protecting and restoring the Earth’s biological diversity and to advance the science of marine conservation biology.  From our headquarters in Bellevue WA and our Washington DC, California and Hawaii offices, we work to protect marine life around the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, doing policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, conducting outreach to educate scientists, the public and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people.

This internship program provides motivated and academically-promising students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real‐world arena.  During their internship, students work closely with science and policy staff on cutting edge issues in marine conservation biology and ocean policy.  Science interns have worked on projects including our high seas gems project, habitat conservation assessments for National Marine Sanctuaries, and evaluations of the ecological impacts of aquaculture.  Working out of our DC office, policy interns have had the opportunity to assist with establishing National Monuments and our National Marine Sanctuaries Reauthorization efforts.  Policy interns have described their internship experience as being important for learning about lobbying and the legislative process and for understanding more about packaging science for Federal decision makers.

Internships
MCBI offers interns the opportunity to work closely with our science and policy staff and to gain important skills in conservation advocacy and exposure to the scientific, legal and political arenas that are involved in marine conservation.  Most of the internship opportunities are geared towards graduate students or students who have recently completed graduate degrees, although we have on occasion developed opportunities for undergraduates to work on pressing marine conservation issues.  While most internships coincide with the academic calendar, we can be flexible about start and end dates.

For internship positions, we seek individuals with excellent communication skills, with substantive knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy, and who share our commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity.  We also prefer candidates who have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision.

Compensation

Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week.  Internships based in Washington DC offer compensation at the rate of $1800/month, all other inernships are on a volunteer basis.  No benefits or relocation costs are provided, except standard holidays falling during the internship term.  We are willing to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work. Opportunities for independent research in marine conservation should be discussed at the time of interview.

Application Process
To apply to the internships described below, please send the following material via e-mail to internships@mcbi.org, please reference the internship title in the subject line:

1. A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability;
2. A résumé;
3. A writing sample (1-2 pages);
4. A course list detailing applicable coursework experience;
5. And a list of 3 references or completed recommendation letters.

Available Internships:

There are no internships available at this time. We anticipate one coming available this winter in our Washington DC office.

MCBI is an equal opportunity employer.